(Eagle News) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a resolution expressing support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The approval of the Lower House convening as a Committee of the Whole was made after 249 congressmen attended an executive session, which saw defense officials explaining the situation in Marawi, and the basis for the President’s proclamation.
The approval came a day after the Senate approved an amended resolution that said there was no need to revoke martial law in Mindanao at this time.
Only five senators–Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV— did not sign the amended resolution.
They are all members of the Senate minority bloc.
Another member of the minority bloc, Senator Leila de Lima, is detained at Camp Crame over a string of drug cases filed against her.
President Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law following clashes between government troops and the Maute group in Marawi City.
The military said the clashes erupted after authorities launched offensives against Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader, last Tuesday.